Rodney "Rod" Enberg

The funeral service celebrating the life of Rodney Enberg will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 7, at the Staples Alliance Church. Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and will resume on Friday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. in the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls, MN.

Rod, 77, passed away unexpectedly on October 29, 2025, at the Lakewood Health System Hospital in Staples, MN.

Rodney "Rod" Craig Enberg was born to Donald and Helen (Houwman) Enberg on April 24, 1948, in Aitkin, MN, where he also attended school.

Rod served his country in the U.S. Army as part of the 82nd Airborne, beginning in 1967 until his honorable discharge in 1969.

Rod married Denise Cartie and they were blessed with three children Paul, Shae, and Jaron. After receiving his watch-making degree, Rod owned and operated Enberg Jewelry in Aitkin. A few years later he worked on the Trans Alaska pipeline as a fabricator until 1982. He started logging and operating the sawmill that he built, continuing to build his logging business near Motley. He then married Lynn Tholl. Selling timber, wood shavings, and mulch, he eventually turned the business into one of the most successful logging businesses in Minnesota. He listened to private landowners and worked with State forestry policy makers. He received recognition several times, notably in 2022, when the MN Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) presented him with the MN Logger of the year award. Rod was an avid outdoorsman, spending his free time hunting and fishing. He also loved singing and enjoyed theatre. He was a member of the American Legion, MN Loggers Education Board, and was a former Timber Producers Association President.

Rod was a joy to be around with his witty sense of humor. Using his creative gifts, he pursued many interests. He was generous and encouraging, always ready to take on the world with a can-do spirit. He had unbelievable perseverance and grit. Rod loved to work, and if there was anything he didn't do well it was sitting around.

Preceding Rod in death were his parents, Donald and Helen; and former wife, Lynn Enberg (2020).

Surviving Rod are his children, Paul (April) Enberg of Verndale, Shae (Jim) Gaulke of Hillman, and Jaron (Heather) Enberg of Littleton, Co; stepsons, Mark (Cecilia) Tholl, Jason (Melissa) Tholl and Justin Tholl, nine grandchildren, three greatgrandchildren; siblings, Gary (Jackie) Enberg of Aitkin; nephews Joe Enberg and Chris Enberg; special friend Denise Baumgart; along with a multitude of neighbors, friends and customers.

Honorary casket bearers will be Eva Gaulke, Micha Enberg, Eli Enberg and Luke Enberg.

Serving as casket bearers will be Trevor Enberg, Tanner Enberg, Colton Gaulke and Hayden Gaulke.

Arrangements with the Schuller Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services serving Wadena, Verndale, Bertha and surrounding communities in MN. (www.SchullerFamilyFH.com)